Business, international

New major helicopter manufacturer emerges

Article Abstract:

Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI), based in Akinci, Turkey, is seen as the next major helicopter maker by 2001. The company, 51% owned by the Turkish government, is expected to assemble aircraft under license rather than building original designs. Other shareholders in TAI are Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, 42%, and General Electric, 7%. TAI is currently concentrating on establishing co-production of 28 Eurocopter AS532U1 Cougar utility and search and rescue helicopters ordered under a $500-million contract of the Turkish Air Force and Army.

Mi-26 fire-fighting demos

Article Abstract:

Scorpion Hellas presented the potential of the Mil Mi-26T helicopter in fire-fighting configuration to Greek military and fire agency officials on Oct. 1, 1998. The Mil Mi-26T was equipped with a 15,000 liter (3,963 gallon) VSU-15 external tank for a live drop demonstration at the naval helicopter base at Kotroni. The demonstration at the Elefsis air force base happened after one of the worst-ever fire seasons in Greece, which saw the local fire-fighting aircraft got the support of Canadian, French, Italian and Russian fixed-wing aircraft.

RAF tracking evaluation

Article Abstract:

The UK Royal Air Force is conducting a real-time helicopter tracking of a Chivenor-based Search and rescue Sea King Mk 3A as part of a three-month evaluation program. the airborned equipment consists of a Racal Avionics Ltd-manufactured satellite transceiver system and control display navigation unit. The system reduces aircrew workload by automatically transmitting existing aircraft position and other pertinent data aside from providing aircraft navigation and sub-system control.